Guwahati, 03 July (HS): Assam Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai on Friday chaired a review meeting to assess key issues related to the functioning of the department, with a focus on food security, paddy procurement and welfare initiatives.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the proposal for setting up the State Food Commission under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Officials informed the meeting that the Commission will consist of seven members, including representatives from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes communities and at least two women members, as mandated under the State Rules. Rai directed the department to expedite the process of constituting the Commission to strengthen implementation and monitoring of food security measures across the State.

The Minister also examined the ongoing paddy procurement process and instructed Assam Food & Civil Supplies Corporation Limited Managing Director Diganta Das to scrutinise the functioning of rice mills involved in procurement. He directed officials to take immediate corrective action wherever irregularities are detected and ordered the reshuffling of officials and employees associated with procurement before the next procurement season to enhance transparency and accountability.

The meeting further reviewed preparations for the proposed distribution of masur dal and sugar under the department's welfare programmes. Rai asked officials to complete all logistical arrangements at the earliest ahead of the proposed launch of the scheme by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 1, 2026.

Reaffirming the State Government's commitment to food security and efficient public distribution, the Minister urged officials to ensure coordinated and time-bound implementation of all departmental programmes and welfare initiatives.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash